Sweden Forms Partnership for Global Responsibility

2002-04-01

The Global Compact continued to expand its activities in Sweden, convening a
meeting earlier this month organized by Prime Minister Goran Persson and his
country's ministers for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and International Development
Cooperation. They joined 90 leaders of Sweden's business community, civil
society, academe, and labour organizations to discuss the Swedish Partnership
for Global Responsibility, an initiative created to advance support for the
United Nations Global Compact and the OECD guidelines for multinational
companies.

"The debate on corporate social responsibility is becoming increasingly
intense," the ministers explained in an open letter to Swedish business
executives. "It is gratifying to see that Sweden's corporate community has
played an active role in the efforts to realize a sound environment and good
working conditions. It benefits both Sweden and the world. It is our ambition
that Sweden should influence international developments by taking action faster
and more forcefully than other countries." The communication was issued by Anna
Lindh, the Minister for Foreign Affairs; Leif Pagrosky, the Minister for Trade;
and Jan O. Karlsson, the Minister for International Development Cooperation. All
three government officials spoke at the conference, which was held in Stockholm
on 7 March.

The conference also included a briefing on Global Compact activities
delivered by Frederick Dubee and discussion of partnership projects identified
as priorities by Swedish business executives. They include programs to enhance
diversity in the workplace, to expand ethical corporate governance, and to
promote sustainable economic development in Africa.

At the conclusion of the conference Prime Minister Persson asked Sweden's
business and government leaders to work together in support of the UN's World
Summit on Sustainable Development, scheduled to meet next summer in
Johannesburg, South Africa.